The lawmaker representing Borno South Senatorial District, Senator Ali Ndume, has provided details on President Bola Tinubu's efforts to secure the election of Senator Godswill Akpabio as the Senate President. Ndume revealed that Tinubu actively engaged in phone calls, personal visits, and persuasive appeals to influential individuals in order to rally support for Akpabio during the election of principal officers of the 10th National Assembly in Abuja. Akpabio emerged victorious by securing 63 votes, defeating Abdulazeez Yari who garnered 46 votes. Alongside this development, Tajudeen Abbas, the representative for Zaria constituency in Kaduna, was elected as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, while Benjamin Kalu from Abia state was elected as the deputy speaker. Ndume acknowledged Tinubu's extensive political experience and described him as an astute politician who strategically deployed his network of loyal supporters to influence lawmakers and sway their support towards Akpabio. Despite the party and the president endorsing Ahmad Lawan in the previous election, Tinubu's efforts, combined with the assistance of the vice president, made a significant difference in securing the victory for Akpabio. Tinubu reportedly went to great lengths, discreetly visiting and appealing to various individuals to back his preferred candidate, employing his persuasive skills and presenting compelling reasons for their support.
